Melanoma and non-melanomatous skin cancers are commonly associated with fair skin, genetic predisposition, and sun exposure. Despite the prevalence of skin cancers in these groups screening is important with a board-certified dermatologist or skin specialist. This case report describes a unique case of a malignant melanoma that was found in the mouth. A 64-year-old man Japanese man was referred to a specialty clinic for evaluation of a black pigmented lesion on the palate. The Nevis was 20 x 25 mm with irregular margins and induration. An excisional biopsy was performed, which demonstrated a malignant melanoma of the left palate that was stage III on biopsy and confirmed at Stage IIA on final path.
Treatment included curative surgical resection, followed by immunotherapy, which was initiated two months after surgery. There was no recurrence at the one year point postoperatively.
This case report demonstrates the absolute need for proper screening and skin cancer checks by a board-certified specialist in skin cancers. Primary care physicians should be astute to the possibility of skin cancer in patient who have a long history of sun exposure, family, history of melanoma or non-melanoma, skin, cancers, and patients who have suspicious skin lesions that have changed overtime.
Our Santa Monica, plastic surgery and dermatology clinic is located on Montana Avenue and offers comprehensive skin cancer checks by a board-certified dermatologist. Our surgical team of plastic surgeons were closely with dermatology and micrographic surgeons to diagnose and manage skin cancers. If you are concerned about basal cell carcinoma, squamous, cell carcinoma, or melanoma, and have a mole that has changed in size or dimension; schedule a comprehensive skin check by a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica.
Kare Plastic Surgery and Dermatology
Experts in Skin cancer treatments and diagnosis
804 7th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 998-5533